Ennerdale Water is one of the smaller lakes in the region of the Western Lake District. The most westerly lake in the national Park, it is situated relatively close to the port town of Whitehaven and the town of Cleator. The lake is owned by United Utilities and is both a reservoir, serving over 30,000 customers daily, and a Site of Special ScientificInterest for its lakeshore habitats.

Ennerdale Water is a popular destination for hikers, tourists and cyclists, but not by any means as popular amongst tourists and visitors as other lakes in theNational Park, and thus has not been spoiled by construction, activity on the lake or any other trappings of intensive tourism. This is due to the Ennerdale valley's remote location and the lack of public roads.